“One thing – maybe I shouldn’t say this – but it’s not like our family, including me, don’t have, you know, some snacks once in a while that may not be, you know, on the perfect nutrition chart,” the president said.

“We have a lot of state dinners around here, they’re not always as cheerful and fun as this!” the leader of the free world joked. “Everybody’s older and a little stodgier. But this is a much hipper crowd.”

1. Sure, Michelle Obama’s bead-encrusted Carolina Herrera gown (worn at the state dinner honoring French President Francois Hollande) was exquisite. So was her daring orange Alexander McQueen (worn at the dinner honoring Chinese President Hu Jintao):

(Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

But when it comes to adorable fashions, it’s hard to outdo the kids’ red carpet:

(Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)

Even President Obama’s tuxes can’t compare to this 8-year-old slick dresser:

But at the Kids’ State Dinner, there’s no awkwardness over escorts. Just ask mom or dad!

(Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)

4. The commander-in-chief has been known to crack a few jokes during his state dinner toast.

“We’ve got men in tuxes, women in gowns, fine wine, first-class entertainment. … I was just relieved to learn this was not a GSA conference,” he quipped at a state dinner honoring Mexican President Felipe Calderon.